Using Second Life to "Extend the Rafters"

Anyone finding themselves near Ottawa Canada between now and 5 April 2020 may want to arrange a special trip to the National Gallery of Canada to experience "Àbadakone | Continuous Fire", a very special exhibit of international Indigenous art with a wide array of amazing works from around the world. 

Of particular relevance to Second Life is "Teiakwanahstahsontéhrha’ / We Extend the Rafters" by Kanyen'kehà:ka (Mohawk) artist Skawennati.

Central to the work is a machinima, "The Peacemaker Returns", constructed and recorded in Second Life. The entire work also includes wampum belts (deer hide, sinew, plastic beads), LED lights, and an aluminum structure.

An earlier (2017) exhibition of the work explains the title of the piece: "The bilingual title of the exhibition—in Kanien’kéha (Mohawk) and in English—refers to the action of 'extending the rafters' of a longhouse. 

These traditional Indigenous structures would be lengthened to make room for new generations or even other families." 

As shown, the "rafters" of the aluminium structure extend into the futuristic machinima itself, which also includes virtual wampum belts echoing the real beaded belts in the museum exhibit space.

The artist outlines the significance of the work and details the Second Life effort involved in its development in a fascinating background video.

Reporter+Image Qie Niangao

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